Do I really need the flu shot?

This is a question we all need to ask more often. With everything we do there are consequences, and they may be different for different people. In the case of the flu shots there are many possible answers.

1. You could die from it. The National Vital Statistics Reports compiled by the CDC show that an average of 1138 deaths a year are clearly linked to flu shots, but other sources say that it is closer to 36,000.
2. There is possible harm from the ingredients in the vaccine. This is particularly true of the mercury, aluminum and formaldehyde it contains.
3. Two-thirds of the vaccines made for the 2008-09 flu season contain full dose thimerosal, which is 49% mercury by weight, according to Dr. Miller. Mercury is a neurotoxin, with a toxicity level 1000 times that of lead. Each flu shot contains 25 micrograms of mercury, 250 times more than the Environmental Protection Agency says is safe.
1. Formaldehyde is a known cancer-causing agent, yet is used in the vaccine to inactivate the virus. So instead of the sniffles you end up with cancer?
2. Aluminum is added to promote an antibody response. It is a neurotoxin that has many links to Alzheimer's disease.
3. Ethylene glycol is added. This is an antifreeze! Is it there for medical purposes, or just to make shipping and storage easier?

2. Will it do any good?

1. 51 different studies show that children ages 6 to 23 months that flu shots are no more effective than a placebo.
2. No studies have conclusively proven that flu shots prevent flu-related deaths a month the elderly.
3. Because the flu virus mutates very rapidly the vaccine must be updated every year to include where they think it is mutating to. Sometimes they are way off and the vaccine doesn't come close.
4. Dr. Donald Miller, a cardiac surgeon and Professor of Surgery at the University of Washington says “Seventy percent of doctors do not get a flu shot.” If they don't think it is worth the time and money why should you?

3. Is there something better?

It is ironic (or is it?)that the flu season is also the dark and cold season for much of the US. Dr. John Cannell and his colleagues have hypothesized that influenza is merely a symptom of vitamin D deficiency. There has even been proof (?)published in the Virology Journal. It suggests that flu epidemics are the results of dormant disease, which become active in response to Vitamin D deficiency.

1. Sunlight is still our best source of vitamin D, though there are reports that some tanning beds will also stimulate your body to produce it.

2. Supplements are available. Children need 2000IU per day, while adults need between 4000-5000IU per day. There are now blood tests available to ensure your levels are theraputic and not toxic.

3. According to Dr. John Cannell, if you already have the flu theraputic doses of vitamin D are 900IU per pound of body weight. He suggests taking it once a day for three days. It works best when started at the first sign of the illness.

Sources: http://articles.mercola.com